In attendance: Rich Schiliro, Darrell Chambers, Sgt. Scott Wilson, Alma Mills, Jackie Dawkins, Lessie Penn, Mary Fleetwood, Ruth Fowler, Sam Gadegbeku, Tanyetta Felder, Melvin Magwood, Barbie Seymour, Beth Foxworth, Angela Christopher, Elizabeth Adams, Donald Lanier, Beth DeHart

Chairperson, Rich Schiliro called the meeting to order.

In order to develop more understanding of member courts among the SCYCA members, Rich Schiliro asked the group to complete a youth court survey about each member’s court. The group members shared specifics about their courts and everyone appreciated understanding a little better how other member courts were organized.

The next order of business was to announce the award of the SCYCA’s 2004 IOLTA grant. Beth DeHart provided the group with copies of the two projects that were awarded, establishment of 10 new youth court trainers, and an evaluation of youth court impact in SC. There was some discussion about the evaluation and other groups that might be able to help with that, including the SC Department of Juvenile Justice and the Attorney General’s office which has some data on school crimes.

The group had lunch and proceeded into the general discussion.

Sam Gadegbeku and Beth DeHart are working with the Columbia Community Mediation Center (CMC) to initiate a mediation element to cases. They will have a CMC representative work with youth volunteers from the W. A. Perry Middle School Youth Court to teach them about mediation and how it could be used in youth court. The larger group was interested in learning more about mediation and how it could enhance their programs as well. Sam and Beth were to keep the group informed about the pilot as it progressed.

Next, Elizabeth Adams informed the group that she was planning the second Youth Summit on October 2. She indicated the format would be similar to that of the 2003 Summit, and she would provide more information about it closer to time.

Elizabeth Adams and Beth DeHart informed the group that they would be working on a “Best Practices” manual for youth courts in SC. Any information the group could provide about practices that worked well, and those that did not, would be much appreciated.

The issue of liability for youth courts had been raised. The group discussed how some member courts handle it. It was decided that DJJ should be contacted and asked how they handle it, and that Laura Whitlock from the Department of Public Safety should also be asked. The discussion would continue.

Next, it was mentioned that to date, the City of Charleston and Allendale are the only two courts that have paid their 2004 dues. Courts were encouraged to send in their member dues.

Elizabeth Adams indicated that she would be taking over publication of the SCYCA Gavel, the semi-annual newsletter. She encouraged anyone who had information, articles, etc. to send them to her and she would work on the newsletter.

The By-Laws were reviewed as led by Rich Schiliro and all agreed that they were OK as written.

Finally, Officer Nomination forms were distributed and ballots would be collected after the meeting, as several voting members had to leave early. Results would be announced after everyone’s nominations were in.

The meeting was adjourned by Beth DeHart.